The Urban Peace Institute

Since 2011, The Urban Peace Institute “UPI” has supported numerous cities across the country in implementing community safety solutions and training local law enforcement. Our mission is to strengthen neighborhood leadership by investing in the education, advocacy and training of community based public safety practitioners and organizations.

UPI will deliver a series of stand-alone block-structured survey classes for the calendar year 2024. The proposed training is designed to build capacity for a multi-disciplinary cohort of peer specialists to support the prevention of violence, crisis response, peace keeping and community healing.

Sessions will be offered multiple times throughout the year.

License to Operate
Delve into the concept of “License to Operate” in violence-impacted communities, emphasizing the responsibilities and risks involved.

Conflict Mediation
Equip learners with essential conflict resolution skills specific to the CVI field.

Community Intervention Worker 101
An exploration of the history and role of Community Intervention Workers, with a focus on Los Angeles.

CVI Standards
A comprehensive review of standards in the CVI field, enriched with practical examples and role-play.

The Field of CVI
Insight into grassroots strategies for reducing community violence.

Hospital Intervention Response
Strategies for effective hospital-based violence intervention programs.

Safe Passage Work
Training in establishing Safe Passage initiatives in violence impacted areas.

Community Ambassadors
Comprehensive training for Community Ambassadors in crisis response and violence interruption.

Professional Development
Focused on professionalism in the Intervention field, covering codes of conduct and essential skills.

Criminal Legal System in Los Angeles
An in-depth look at the criminal legal system and advocacy

Interaction with LE, Professional Understanding, and Legal Liability
Guidelines for CVI workers’ interactions with law enforcement and liability minimization.

Restorative Justice
Understanding restorative justice principles and techniques.

Youth Development
Insights into adolescent brain development and the Positive Youth Justice Framework

Courses

Criminal Legal System in Los Angeles: April 9

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An in-depth look at the criminal legal system and advocacy.

Date & Time:

April 9, 2024 1-4pm

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Interaction with LE, Professional Understanding, and Legal Liability: April 19

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Guidelines for CVI workers’ interactions with law enforcement and liability minimization.

Date & Time:

April 19, 2024 1-4pm

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The Field of CVI: April 26

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Insight into grassroots strategies for reducing community violence.

Date & Time:

April 26, 2024 - 10am-12pm

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Professional Standards: April 26

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Focused on professionalism in the Intervention field, covering codes of conduct and essential skills.

Date & Time:

April 26, 2024, 12:30pm-2:30pm

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License to Operate: May 17

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Delve into the concept of “License to Operate” in violence-impacted communities, emphasizing the responsibilities and risks involved.

Date & Time:

May 17, 2024, 10am-12pm

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Conflict Mediation: May 17

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Equip learners with essential conflict resolution skills specific to the CVI field.

Date & Time:

May 17, 2024, 12:30pm-2:30pm

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Community Intervention Worker 101: May 24

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An exploration of the history and role of Community Intervention Workers, with a focus on Los Angeles.

Date & Time:

May 24, 2024, 10am-12pm

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CVI Standards: May 24

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A comprehensive review of standards in the CVI field, enriched with practical examples and role-play.

Date & Time:

May 24, 2024, 12:30pm-2:30pm

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The Field of CVI: June 7

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Insight into grassroots strategies for reducing community violence.

Date & Time:

June 7, 10:00am-12:00pm

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Hospital Intervention Response: June 7

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Strategies for effective hospitalbased violence intervention programs.

Date & Time:

June 7, 12:30pm-2:30pm

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Safe Passage Work: June 21

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Training in establishing Safe Passage initiatives in violence impacted areas.

Date & Time:

June 21, 10:00am-12:00pm

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Community Ambassadors: June 21

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Comprehensive training for Community Ambassadors in crisis response and violence interruption.

Date & Time:

June 21, 12:00pm-2:00pm

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Professional Development: July 12

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Focused on professionalism in the Intervention field, covering codes of conduct and essential skills.

Date & Time:

July 12, 10:00am-1:00pm

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Criminal Legal System in Los Angeles: July 19

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An indepth look at the criminal legal system and advocacy efforts.

Date & Time:

July 19, 10:00am-12:00pm

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Restorative Justice: August 9

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Understanding restorative justice principles and techniques.

Date & Time:

August 9, 10:00am-2:00pm

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Youth Development: August 23

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Insights into adolescent brain development and the Positive Youth Justice Framework

Date & Time:

August 23, 10:00am-2:00pm

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CVI Standards: September 13

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A comprehensive review of standards in the CVI field, enriched with practical examples and roleplay.

Date & Time:

September 13, 10:00am-12:00pm

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License to Operate: September 13

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Delve into the concept of “License to Operate” in violenceimpacted communities, emphasizing the responsibilities and risks involved.

Date & Time:

Register Now angle

Professional Development: September 27

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Focused on professionalism in the Intervention field, covering codes of conduct and essential skills.

  • Instructor: Ben Owens (CVI Specialist), Javier Martinez (Arise & Go, ED), Jerald Cavitt

Date & Time:

September 27, 10:00am-1:00pm

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Conflict Mediation: September 27

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Equip learners with essential conflict resolution skills specific to the CVI field.

Date & Time:

September 27, 1:30pm-3:30pm

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Safe Passage Work: October 11

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Training in establishing Safe Passage initiatives in violence impacted areas.

Date & Time:

October 11, 10:00am-12:00pm

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CVI Standard: October 18

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Focused on professionalism in the Intervention field, covering codes of conduct and essential skills.

  • Instructors: Ben Owens, Kevin Orange, Jerald Cavitt, and Javier Martinez.

Date & Time:

October, 10:00am-2:00pm

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Hospital Intervention Response: October 18

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Strategies for effective hospitalbased violence intervention programs

Date & Time:

October 18, 12:30pm-2:30pm

Register Now angle

Criminal Legal System in Los Angeles: November 8

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An in-depth look at the criminal legal system and advocacy.

Date & Time:

November 8, 10:00am-12:00pm

Register Now angle

Interaction with LE, Professional Understanding, and Legal Liability: November 8

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Guidelines for CVI workers’ interactions with law enforcement and liability minimization.

Date & Time:

November 8, 12:30pm-2:30pm

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The Field of CVI: November 15

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Insight into grassroots strategies for reducing community violence.

  • Instructor: Ben Owens

Date & Time:

November 15, 10:00am-2:00pm

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License to Operate: November 15

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Delve into the concept of “License to Operate” in violence-impacted communities, emphasizing the responsibilities and risks involved.

Date & Time:

November 15, 2:30-4:30pm

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Professional Standards: December 6

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Focused on professionalism in the Intervention field, covering codes of conduct and essential skills.



Date & Time:

December 6, 10:00am-12:00pm

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Safe Passage Work: December 6

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Training in establishing Safe Passage initiatives in violence impacted areas.

Date & Time:

December 6, 12:30pm-2:30pm

Register Now angle

Conflict Mediation: December 13

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Equip learners with essential conflict resolution skills specific to the CVI field.

Date & Time:

December 13, 10:00am-1:00pm

Register Now angle

Professional Development: December 13

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Focused on professionalism in the Intervention field, covering codes of conduct and essential skills.



Date & Time:

December 13, 10:00am-12:00pm

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Instructor: Ben Owens - CVI Specialist

Ben Owens, also known as Taco, supports Urban Peace Institute’s efforts to create safety as a Community Violence Intervention Specialist. Ben is a product of change and reformation of character. As a former gang member turned activist, his involvement with the African American gang culture for over 40 years has forged relationships with rival gang members and often the victims of gang and gun violence. As a Peace Fellow, he travels across the country to train and learn from other intervention workers. He is currently a supervisor with Advocates for Peace and Urban Unity (APUU) and is the Executive Director of Detours Mentoring Group Inc. in Gardena, CA. He sits on the Executive Board of the Southern California Ceasefire Committee where he collaborates with former and active gang members, victims of crime, clergy, community members and law enforcement to resolve community conflict and gang-induced violence in the Greater Los Angeles area. Ben supports the training of peacemakers through the Urban Peace Academy and brings years of experience in training partners and various stakeholders working to create safety.

Instructor: Tina Padilla - Community Warriors 4 Peace, ED

Tina Padilla serves as the Executive Director of Community Warriors 4 Peace in Northeast Los Angeles. Raised in the same neighborhood, Tina's upbringing instilled in her a deep commitment to support and serve her community. Tina developed her expertise through lived experience, and aspired to break the cycle of trauma and hardship that plagued her family due to their involvement in gangs. Tina has participated in various programs including Alcohol & Drug Abuse (AA and NA), Domestic Violence, Anger & Stress Management, YAAP (Youth Awareness Adult Program), YOP (Youth Offender Program), and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Treatment), Tina acquired invaluable expertise. She obtained her certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling from Glendale Community College alongside her Associates of Science degree, followed by a Bachelor's in Human Development. Tina is also a nationwide trainer for the Urban Peace Institute and also sits on the board of the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Coalition. Tina is all about making positive changes so that future generations can thrive in love and healing rather than experiencing trauma and loss.

Instructor: Kevin Orange - Advocates 4 Peace & Urban Unity, ED

Kevin Orange, also known as “Twin”, was born and raised in South-Central Los Angeles. As a former gang member turned community leader, Twin has dedicated his life to healing the community he once harmed. Twin co-founded the non profit Advocates 4 Peace & Urban Unity (APUU) in 2008. Through his leadership, APUU works to educate communities about the root causes of violence and has successfully reduced violence through community violence intervention efforts and various programs. Twins efforts extend beyond activism, he is a friend, a mentor, and a great representative for South Los Angeles.His work has earned him numerous awards and recognition for his commitment to creating safer communities for future generations to come.

Instructor: Javier Martinez - Arise & Go, ED

Javier serves as the Executive Director of "Arise & Go," a non-profit organization based in Harbor City, Los Angeles, dedicated to redirecting the lives of gang members in a positive direction and empowering those who are ready to embrace change. Born to immigrant parents from Mexico, Javier's upbringing in Harbor City included a childhood filled with sports, close friends, and family. Despite his positive upbringing, the gang life was admirable, and a way to represent his community. He placed the burden upon himself to uphold the destructive values of street life in high regard. This led him on a 20-year journey that was filled with everything the gang life has to offer, including its consequences.
In 2007, Javier experienced a profound spiritual awakening and surrendered his life to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This transformative event granted him a fresh start on life, affording him the opportunity to mend fractured relationships with his children, family and community. His passion and dedication is providing a safe space for transformation of fellow gang members, fostering healthier, happier, and safer communities, through Community Violence Intervention.

Instructor: Jerald Cavitt - Chapter TWO, ED

Jerald "Pee" Cavitt brings decades of experience to his role as Executive Director of Chapter TWO Inc., located in South Central Los Angeles. Pee is passionate about Community Violence Intervention and goes above and beyond to advocate for the people who live in the most challenging and overlooked, high crime areas. Known for his ability to identify and empower key Community Intervention Workers, Chapter TWO Inc. has thrived, expanding its influence across South LA. Pee's leadership has led to national collaborations that bring ongoing resources to community members in need. With a steadfast commitment to a brighter future for South LA, Pee and his team are committed to making a lasting impact of positive change for future generations.

Instructor: Josh Green - UPI Justice Transformation, Director

Josh Green focuses on reforming overly punitive criminal and juvenile justice systems and supporting and developing policies that meaningfully address the needs of residents in high violence areas. Josh partners with communities and individuals to reform overbroad gang suppression strategies. He also develops and advocates for system level reforms through UPI’s work on reforming the Los Angeles Probation Department and supporting the creation of the Los Angeles Office of Youth Diversion and Development. Josh currently serves as a member of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC) and as the co-chair of the JJCC’s Community Advisory Committee. He also serves on several of the County’s justice advisory bodies, including the CCJCC Youth Diversion Subcommittee and the County’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Safety. Previously, Josh served as the Equal Justice Works Fellow at Advancement Project, sponsored by Munger, Tolles & Olson, LLP and Edison International. As a fellow, Josh developed and implemented a program to minimize the negative consequences of civil gang injunctions in Los Angeles communities and to provide representation to individuals who believed that they had been wrongly added to a gang injunction. Prior to his work as a fellow at Advancement Project, Josh graduated from Harvard Law School where he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Journal on Racial and Ethnic Justice.

Instructor: Andre Christian - CVI Specialist

Andre Christian promotes peace in communities, uplifts gang intervention, interrupts violence on the frontlines, and educates people on what gang intervention is. In his role at UPI, Andre is able to bring his lived experience and relationships to promote safety in the community. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and started doing the work in 1995. He began his journey as a community intervention worker because he wanted to save lives and keep people out of prisons. He leads Watts Life United, an organization that incorporates car clubs with gang intervention as a tool to build relationships and bring people together through a commonality. Most of his work resides in the Watts community but is able to go into different communities and prevent and/or stop the violence.

Instructor: Claudia Bracho - Community Violence Intervention Specialist

Claudia Bracho serves as a Community Violence Intervention Specialist with the Urban Peace Institute working to create safety in Los Angeles communities. Through this unique role, she supports peacemakers throughout the region and works to expand the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Coalition. Claudia has over 25 years of experience working in violence prevention and intervention, most recently serving as a Program Director with the H.E.L.P.ER. Foundation. Throughout her career, she has provided direct services for Black and Latino youth and gang-involved adults to break the devastating cycle of violence and incarceration. Claudia has also leveraged her expertise to act as a trainer and panelist to guide efforts to prevent violence. Claudia holds a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University Dominguez Hills. Moreover, she is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peace-building at California State University Dominguez Hills.

Instructor: Danny Zamora

SoCal Crossroads, DOP

Instructor: Michael Guedel

Resilient, ED

Instructor: Paul Carillo

Gifford, VP

Instructor: Priscilla Lozano

Soledad Enrichment Action, Intervention Supervisor